Adularia AG

Precision Cancer Immunotherapy

Our aim is to leverage the natural metabolic interplay between the human immune system, the microbiome, and disease onset to develop molecule therapies that enhance the body’s native immune response against cancer.

Project Overview

Affiliation

Year of acceptance

Status

Team size

Project Description

Adularia’s technology is rooted in the discovery of a potent immune mechanism, which is based on insights from the symbiotic interplay between gut microbes and the immune system. Recognizing bacterial metabolites activate a potent anti-tumor immune reaction, the team identified a therapeutic target for immuno-oncology. By focusing on the development of a synthetic small molecule that replicates the mechanism of action of this naturally occurring mechanism, they aim to develop novel immunotherapy.

The therapy target is predominantly expressed in tumor-residing macrophages. Once stimulated, the macrophages release cytokines that activate cytotoxic T-cells, leading to enhanced tumor infiltration and a potent anti-tumor effect. By acting locally in the tumor microenvironment, the team aims to reduce side effects, expand the therapeutic window, and increase the target population that can benefit from immunotherapies.

Project Contact

Ana Montalban-Arques

Project Lead

Michael Scharl

Faculty Mentor

Project Partners

University of Zurich, BioEntrepreneurship & Innovation (BEI) Program, University of Zurich, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Translational Microbiome Research Center, Venturelab

Funding Partners

UZH Entrepreneur Fellowship, BRIDGE PoC, Gebert Rüf Foundation, Kickfund, Swiss National Science Foundation, USZ Health Innovation Hub, Venture Kick

Project Updates

Recolony is now Adularia. This change reflects an important shift in the company’s strategic direction and an ongoing commitment to advancing cancer treatments.
Public voting confirms the biotech startup’s technology resonates with the public.
Discover the world shapers of tomorrow.
Alex Jani, host of X-Health.show podcast spoke with our project leader from Recolony, Ana Montalban-Arques about the science behind Recolony.